o both, and that, at the end of his Ministry, I knew
that the Queen had expressed to several persons how much she regretted
to lose his services. That I most sincerely hoped that there was
no chance of misunderstanding now arising; that would be most
disadvantageous to the Sovereign, to the public service, to the
Government, and, above all, to himself. He interrupted me by assuring
me that there was not the slightest chance of this. He repeated to
me flattering things said by the Queen at the close of his last
Administration, and told me that it was impossible for the Queen to
have been more kind and civil than at his visit last week at Osborne.
I continued that in Italian matters I believed the Cabinet was agreed.
Our language to Italian Governments ought to show sympathy with Italy,
and let them know that we were anxious that they should be left free
to act and decide for themselves; that it should inform them in the
clearest manner that in no case were they to obtain active assistance
from us, and it ought to avoid giving any advice as to their conduct,
which might make us responsible for the evil or danger which might
accrue from following such advice. That our language to France and
Austria ought to press upon them in every _judicious_ manner the
expediency of doing that which was likely to secure the permanent
happiness of Italy, and to persuade them to abstain from forcing upon
the Italians, persons and forms of Government to which they objected;
nothing like a menace or a promise to be used....

I then saw Sidney Herbert, who told me that Charles Wood's report
had entirely changed the aspect of things; that it was clear that the
Queen had come to the assistance of the Cabinet, instead of opposing
them; that reason had been entirely on her side, and that Johnny had
reduced the question now to the single point, which was not of much
importance, whether the 25th July despatch should now be communicated
or not. He told me that Lord John was in a state of great irritation,
and ready to kick over the traces. I dined at Lord Palmerston's, and
met Sir Charles Wood and Mr Gladstone. I had some guarded conversation
with the latter, who seemed very reasonable. Sir Charles Wood gave me
all the information which I required. It appears to me that the
really important point is that the whole Cabinet should know the real
question between the Queen and her Ministers, and that, if Lord John
can find plausible reasons for changing